Chris Wood replacement revealed as Nottingham Forest eye second stab at transfer target
Nottingham Forest have reportedly renewed their interest in Feyenoord striker Santiago Giménez as they look to secure a long-term replacement for Chris Wood.
The Garibaldi had a summer move for Giménez rejected by the player himself after the East Midlands club failed to guarantee him a place as their starting number nine. New Zealand international Wood was preferred and has since gone on to take the league by storm, leading Forest to third place so far this season with 11 goals and one assist in the Premier League. The Forest no.11's contract is set to expire in the summer, however, with talks over a new deal for their talisman currently taking place.
Feyenoord's director of football Dennis Te Kloese said that the Mexican centre forward did not "get a very warm feeling" about joining Forest, however it is reported that Forest are still very much in the hunt for his services.
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The 23-year-old has bagged an impressive 10 goals and three assists in 14 games for his club this season in all competitions, keeping up his prolific form from the previous campaign.
According to journalist Oscar Mendoza, Giménez is still on Forest's agenda and they will "try again" for his signature. Mendoza continued: "Right now they see him as a backup for Chris Wood. Awoniyi has already returned, but he has had physical problems.
"The New Zealander's contract expires in June, so 'Santi' will take over as the starting nine. They want to increase their squad depth with a view to qualifying for European competition."
Considering the fact that Forest remain reluctant to make him their starting striker this season, tempting Giménez to the City Ground midway through the campaign may be a struggle. They will have to hope that the promise of a starting berth from next season and the increasing likelihood of European football will be enough to lure him away from Rotterdam.
Nuno Espírito Santo and Evangelos Marinakis face tough competition for the Mexico international who continues to shine. According to Mendoza, Fulham are 'genuinely interested', as are Arsenal and Italian giants AC Milan so it has been reported by other journalist Julio Rodríguez.
More-guaranteed European football with Milan or the Gunners may cause Giménez's gaze to stray elsewhere despite the strength of Forest's interest. Feyenoord's director Te Kloese has tipped his striker for a Premier League move, recently telling TUDN that England would be best suited for Giménez.
"A good next step. I think there are many teams in England that play a very dynamic and offensive soccer that favours him a lot," the director of football said.
"There are leagues like Italy that focus a lot on results and defending, it is not impossible for him to play there, but obviously the opportunities are scarce."
The centre forward position continues to be an area where Forest are looking to strengthen this month as rumours linking the club to other strikers such as Brighton's Evan Ferguson, Galatasaray's Victor Osimhen and Corinthians' Yuri Alberto all begin to surface.
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